Pen or pencil holder



Jan. 28, 1958 c. R. BILBREY PEN 0R PENCIL HOLDER Filed June 26, 1953 IN VEN TOR. 'Z/g@ am ffuw,

United States Patent() PEN R PENCIL HOLDER Charles R. Bilbrey, Chicago, lll.

Application June 26, 1953, Serial No. 364,297

3 Claims. (Cl. 129-1) This invention relates to a pen or pencil holder; in particular, it relates to a device adapted to be received within the snap rings of a conventional loose-leaf notebook and adapted to carry therein a pen, pencil, or other writing tool.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Serial No. 100,673, for Pen or Pencil Holder, now Patent No. 2,647,517. i

The provision of a convenient, safe, and readily accessible place for carrying a writing tool is a problem which always confronts students, attorneys, and other persons who are accustomed to doing research in libraries. One generally used but highly unsatisfactory expedient is the pocket clip; its disadvantages are numerous. For one thing, a pencil carried in the pocket can be depended on to mark up the clothing of the wearer, and the sharp point frequently tears clothing. Moreover, the point of a pencil carried in a pocket is very likely to be broken.

Other disadvantages of carrying pencils in pockets include marring of personal neatness and the fact that womens clothes almost never provide any pockets suitable for accommodation of writing instruments. Women usually must carry such devices in their purses, where they compete for space with a very large number of other articles.

It is an object of this invention to provide a pencil or pen-carrying attachment insertable in a loose-leaf notebook (which is an ever-present part of the working equipment of anyone using a library for study or research).

Another object of my invention is to provide a device, insertable and carryable in a loose-leaf notebook, which will hold one or more pencils secure against vibration and which will protect their points from breakage.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a holder device, mountable in the snap rings of a looseleat' notebook, wherein means are provided for holding a pencil or pen securely yet removably.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a holder for a writing instrument which can be mounted within the snap rings of a loose-leaf notebook and securely held in place thereby, although removable on opening of the snap rings.

Yet a further object is in the provision of a spring within a tubular writing instrument of the type set ont and that is freely compressible therein and is anchored by novel means preventing axial displacement of the spring while at the same time the spring is operative to pop out a writing instrument by a predetermined and limited amount. Still a further object is to provide seal members carried at the ends of the springs and that provide seats for the writing points of the instruments. Additional objects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is an, end view ofv a ring binder notebook rice embodying my invention; Fig. 2, a longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a longitudinal sectional view similar to the view in Fig. 2 but of a modied form of the invention; Fig. 4, a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2; and Fig. 5, a transverse sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. l, the notebook 10 therein shown is of the conventional snap-ring type having three snap rings 11. The snap rings are carried in and supported by a metal backing plate 12 which, as is customary, is provided with a rounded smooth forward surface. The writing instrument holder which constitutes my invention is carried within the snap rings and is denoted 15. It will be observed that it is of generallyl tubular form and provided with a pair of outwardly and downwardly extending anges 16, the under surfaces of which are provided with concave curvature to conform substantially to the convex curvature of backing member 12.

Each of the wing anges 16 has a plurality of notches 16a arranged symmetrically along the length thereof; these notches are intended for registration and cooperation with the snap rings 11. Since notebooks vary from one another in the number and position of the snap rings, as many pairs of notches 16a may be provided as desired; those which are not received within snap rings serve no function with respect to a particular notebook, but, as will be obvious, they increase the versatility and usefulness of any given holder device 15.

As will be noted by reference to Figs. 2-5 inclusive, the wing flanges 16 and notches 16a are common to all the embodiments of my invention therein illustrated. Accordingly, those reference numerals will be employed throughout this specification to denote those elements.

A typical embodiment of my invention is shown in considerable detail in Figs. 2 and 4. An elongated tubular body 21, which may be formed of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, is provided with the Wing anges 16 and notches 16a already mentioned. The wing flanges may, if desired, be molded or otherwise formed integrally with the barrel or body member 21; if desired, the wing flanges may be formed of a separate piece and suitably secured to the barrel member by bolting, welding, riveting, or other means.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4, the barrel member 21 is tubular or hollow throughout its entire length. Mounted within the tubular interior of the barrel 21 is a spring 22 that is anchored in axial position in the barrel by pins 23. The spring 22 may be helical and at each end the coiled wire spring is turned outwardly to provide a lip 22a that is embedded in a side wall of a seat or seal member 24. Each of the sealing members 24 is equipped with an aperture or opening 25 therethrough, into which is inserted an end of a writing instrument 26. In the case of the seal member 22a to the right, in the view of Fig. 2, the opening 25 therethrough may be slivhtly tapered so that it snugly receives therein the conical point of a writing pencil. On the other hand, the seating member 24 to the left, in the illustration in Fig. 2, may have an opening 25 therethrough of different configuration and particularly suitable for receiving an end ot' a pen, as is illustrated. Preferably, the coil spring 22 has a diameter that is slightly less than the inner diameter of the hollow barrel 21. The diameter ofthe hollow interior of the barrel should normally be somewhat greaterl than the diameter of the writing instrument to be carried therein. For example, if an ordinary wooden pencil is to be carried within the holder, the inner diameter of the barrel v member 21 may be about three-eighths of an inch.

As is evident from the drawings, the barrel member 21 is hollow throughout its entire length and the barrel is,

therefore, open at each end. A movable closure member for the open ends of barrel 21 is provided by a leaf spring 27, the principal length of which is mounted axially along the underside of barrel 21 midway between the wing flanges 16. The pins or rivets 23 that are operative to anchor the coil spring 22 within the barrel are also used for anchoring or securing the leaf spring 27 to the barrel' 21,.

The ends of leaf spring member 27 adjacent the open ends of the barrel 21 are provided with an upwardlyextending portion 27a that is disposed at substantially right angles to the main body portion of the spring which is secured to the underside of the barrel 21. This orthogonally disposed portion of leaf spring 27 covers the open end of the barrel member 21V and serves as a closure therefor. If desired, the closure portion of leaf spring 27 may be provided with a curved shape which is slightly concave on the surface facing barrel 21. This dish-shaped conguration provides a seat for the writing instrument 26.

When removal or insertion of pencil 26 is required, a touch of the linger on the spring 27 will cause it to be depressed, as is indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 2, thus opening the interior of barrel 2l to permit insertion or removal of the pencil.

In operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs, 2 and 4, the snap-ring notebook which is to receive my invention is lirst opened flat and the snap rings spring apart. Under these conditions, my pencil holder can be readily inserted within the rings, the wing lianges 16 and notches 16a cooperating to hold the instrument in contact with the rings and thus secure it against axial movement. The rings are then snapped shut and the notebook can thereupon be used normally Without any inconvenience resulting from the presence of my holder.

Insertion of the writing instrument 26 into the interior of barrel 21 through the open end thereof is accomplished by depressing the leaf spring 27 to move the closure end 2711 from the open end of the barrel. The pencil is then pressed into the interior of barrel member 2l until it is entirelyr enclosed thereby. During this operation, coil spring 22 will normally be compressed as the writing instrument is inserted into the barrel, When the writing instrument 26 is entirely Within the barrel 2i, leaf spring 27 is released and the pencil is then held securely against vibration or movement by the cooperative action of spring 22 and the closure ends 27a ofthe leaf spring. Whenever removal of the writing instrument 26 is desired, spring 27 may be depressed with the fingers and the coil spring 22 will thereupon cause the Writing instrument 26 to pop out of the barrel 21 and into the waiting hand of the user.

It is apparent that two writing instruments may be carried within the barrel member 21. For example, as is illustrated, a pencil' may be carried in one end of the barrel 2i and the pencil may be either an ordinary wooden pencil with a tapered point, or a mechanical pencil of any usuel construction. The instrument carried in the opposite end portion of the barrel. 21 may be a pen such as the fountain pen illustrated, that has a cap enclosing the writing point, or the cap may be eliminated, and in such case the pen point will be inserted into the opening 25 through the seat member 24 and will be protected from damage while extending through the aperture 25 and into the interior of the spring 22. Further, the pen may consist of an ordinary wooden penholder equipped with a removable tip. In this case, too, since the tip is not covered, it should be inserted through the aperture 25 in the seat 24 so that it will be held in protected position while within the barrel 21.

The pins or rivets 23 secure the leaf spring 27 to the bar-rel 21 and at the same time extend upwardly and into the interior of the barrel. The pins or rivets are, therefore, operative to anchor the spring 22 in axial position within the barrel 21, and to prevent displacement thereof `.vhen Writing instruments are inserted into or are withdrawn from the barrel. The coil spring 22 is normally compressed slightly as a writing instrument is inserted into the barrel 21, and therefore resiliently holds the writing instrument Within the barrel and thereby protects it from damage during rough handling of the notebook 10. When the leaf spring 27 is `depressed slightly to free the open end of the barrel 21, the coil spring 22 is operative to pop the writing instrument outwardly a limited distance so that it may be readily grasped by the user, while at the same time the spring provides a force against the writing instrument of insufiicient magnitude to eject it completely from the barrel 21, where it would perhaps fall upon the oor or a table, etc. and be damaged.

Another modification of my invention is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5. In this form of my invention, barrel 21 is replaced by a partially open support member 51 having a cylindrical control portion 52 provided with axial recesses 52a and 5217 for receiving Writing instruments. The underside of member 51 is provided with a doubleended leaf spring 27 identical in structure to thatshown in the Fig. 2 embodiment; this leaf spring is anchored to the support member 51 at its midpoint by pins or screws 48.

Near each of the ends of support member 51, in slots provided therein, is mountedV a spring sleeve or clamp 53. The precise manner of mounting of member 53 is not important, and it is understood that I am not limiting myself to the particular mounting style shown.

I-n the operation of this form of my invention, the writing instrument, normally a fountain pen or mechanical pencil, is passed through sleeve member 53 and thereupon inserted into recess 52a or 52h, as the case may be. The action just described is accomplished while the appropriate end of leaf spring 27 is being held down manual-ly. After the writing instrument has been seated Within recess 52a or 52b, leaf spring 27 is released and its, orthogonally disposed portion thereupon engages the end of the Writing instrument and holds it securely seated. As in the other forms of my invention, removal of the writing instrument is accomplished byl depression of leaf spring 27. Since the resilient coil spring of the other embodiments has been dispensed with in this form of my invention, this embodiment is particularly adapted for use with fountain pens or mechanical pencils, the length of which remains constant. In the other forms, the coil spring assures firm seating of wooden pencilsV varying substantially one from another in length.

In both embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings and heretofore described, the tips or points of the writing instruments, when Within the barrelmember, are held in sealed position. In the Fig. 3 embodiment, the pen point', on the one hand, and the pencil point, on the other, are supported within the tapered recesses 52a and S'Zb andthe instruments are immobilized in this position so; that no damage canl result tothe delicate points of the writing instruments. At the same time,` a seal is provided between the WritinginstrumentA itself and the wallsk of the recesses 52a and 52h. Ther fore, the ink carried by the penY and present on the pen point will not be exposed to the free movement of air,`

Where it would evaporate and;l make it ditiicult to put the pen in use when it is withdrawn from the holder. A

dead, air space is provided within the recess and t-he ink.

the seats, together with the writing instruments, providev a seal and the points of the instruments areV substantially closedv and sealed withinv the dead air space about the coil spring 22.

formedof amesilientrnate'rial such asl rubber. However,

Preferably the seat members 24@ are other materials that will provide an eiective seat and seal about the writing instrument may be employed with equal advantage.

While in the foregoing specication I have described in considerable detail certain embodiments of my invention for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent that numerous variations in matters of detail can be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a writing instrument holder adapted to be removably carried in a snap-ring loose-leaf notebook, an elongated body member adapted to be mounted within the snap-rings of said loose-leaf notebook, receiving means positioned intermediate the ends of said elongated body member and provided with openings at opposite ends thereof for removably receiving the end portions of a pair of generally cylindrical writing instruments extending between said means and the respective ends of Said body member, an elongated leaf spring extending along said body member and having a length slightly greater than the length of said member, said leaf spring being centrally fixed to the intermediate portion of said body member and having substantially right-angled terminal portions normally traversing the longitudinal axis of said member adjacent the opposite ends thereof for maintaining the respective ends of said writing instruments Within the openings provided by said receiving means, the terminal portions of said spring being exible in the same general direction away from said body member, whereby, when said terminal portions of said leaf spring are exed away from said body member, the cylindrical writing instrument extending between said receiving means and the ends of said member may be released from said means and slid in opposite directions along and away from said member.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said terminal por tions of said leaf spring are equipped with opposing concave surfaces to provide seats for the respective ends of the writing instruments carried by said holder.

3. In a writing instrument holder, an elongated tubular body member adapted to be mounted within the snaprings of a loose-leaf notebook, a coil spring of substantially shorter length than the length of said tubular body member and being positioned therein along the intermediate portion thereof, said coil spring being compressible axially with respect to said tubular body member and being equipped at opposite ends thereof with angular seat members adapted to engage the ends of writing instruments inserted into said tubular body member, an elongated leaf spring extending along said body member and having a length slightly greater than the length of said member, said leaf spring having substantially right- -angled end portions normally closing the ends of said tubular body member and being movable in generally the same direction away from the ends of said tubular member to afford access through the open ends thereof, said coil spring being operative to bias writing instruments received within said tubular body member against the end portions of said leaf spring when said end portions are positioned to close the open ends of said body member and to urge said writing instruments through the open ends of said body member when the end portions of said leaf spring are moved away from the same, and pin members anchored to said tubular body member and engaging said coil spring at approximately the mid-point thereof, said pin members also securing the central portion of said leaf spring to the intermediate portion of said body member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 199,253 Barrows et al. Jan. 15, 1878 854,507 Klipfel May 21, 1907 1,099,214 Sterling June 9, 1914 1,351,132 Rutledge Aug. 31, 1920 2,184,823 Vernon Dec. 26, 1939 2,436,646 Henne Feb. 24, 1941 2,647,517 Bilbrey Aug. 4, 1953 

